WARNERMEDIA LAUNCHES WRITERS PROGRAM FOR UNDERREPRESENTED TV CREATIVES

WarnerMedia revealed the creation of an entry-level Access Writers program that represents underrepresented and previously marginalized narrative writers to strengthen their journey in the TV industry. “We realize there’s a continued need for representation from a wider variety of perspectives, and we are deliberate about discovering, developing, and supporting writers who reflect the range of our global audience,” said Karen Horne, Senior Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at WarnerMedia. “We are intentionally exposing talented writers to our ecosystem to change the behind-the-camera landscape of television.”

The WarnerMedia Access Writers program, previously known as HBO Access, is one of several innovative efforts crafted by the company’s new Enterprise and Inclusion department and will provide emerging writers access to mentors and opportunities across WarnerMedia’s cable, network, and streaming properties.  The programs are a part of WarnerMedia’s development strategy to create a more inclusive and accepting workplace.

 Recent alumni of the former HBOAccess Writing Fellowship, have worked on HBO series including Lovecraft Country and The Nevers. Applications for the WarnerMedia Access Writers program will be accepted March 8–21, 2021. An Advisory Council comprised of established producers, including Sara Hess, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Sarah Schechter, Bird Runningwater, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Sonya Winton-Odamtten, Jonathan Kidd, Bill Lawrence, Mindy Kaling, and Ben Stephenson. Other executives also contributing to the program include Casey Bloys, Chief Content Officer, HBO, and HBO Max and Channing Dungey, Chairman Warner Bros. 

Access Writers will be mentored by WarnerMedia’s upper-level writers who will offer their perspective on their creative growth and career advancement. Participants will learn about the television business from internal executives and attend master classes on storytelling and collaborative creative writing with showrunners and other established special guests. For program recruitment, the company will conduct interviewing processes with up to 20 writers at a time during the seven month program.

Completed material will be distributed to internal programming teams, agents, and managers in preparation for staffing season. The Access Writers program serves as a crucial component for WarnerMedia’s recruitment and development process. The company has several Access programs in development, including initiatives for diverse directors and below-the-line crew members.